Painting: Levels 1 - 4

My World in Dots...

Level One: Grade Prep

Discussion
Look at the work of Anmanari Brown. Look at the bright colours she has used in her painting. The shapes in this painting are made up of very close dotting and over-layering. Can you see the dots? What does this painting remind you of? How do you think Anmanari got all her dots to join up to look like solid colour? What colour background do you think she painted on?

Materials
Cartridge Paper A4, Poster Colours Paint, A3 Cover Paper Black, Cotton Filters & Glue Stick by Zart

How to Create a Dot Painting

1. Explore how dots can be created using Poster Colours Paint and Cotton Filters.
2. Take 2 pieces of Cartridge paper and fold each in half. Cover each half of the Cartridge Paper with dots using the Cotton Filters and a combination of two colours from the Poster Colours Paints.
3. Use these dotted papers to cut and collage a picture inspired by the child’s world.
   
4. Glue these shapes on to the Cover Paper.

Discussion
Observe the work of Bardayal ‘Lofty’ Nadjamerrek. Discuss features of his rock painting. Observe how the focus is on the foreground symbol and the back is left plain. Observe the patterns and x-ray technique he uses. Look at the X-ray Kit –Australian Animal/Reptile available from Zart. Show the actual X-rays to the class and talk about the skeletal structure of each animal in this kit. Use these x-rays to inspire the drawings of simple shapes of animals.

Materials
Aquarelle Water Color pencils, Brown Paper Roll, Cover Paper Black 38 x 51, Glue Stick by Zart

How to Create a Cave Painting

1. Draw a simple outline of an Australian creature with Aquarelle Water Colour pencils on to the absorbent side of a sheet of Brown Paper.
2. Use assorted colours to add patterns with line and shape. Use the x-ray technique if you wish. Can you discover the type of tracks your creature leaves? Draw in the tracks to tell the story depicted in your cave painting.
3. Now lightly trace over the drawn lines and patterns with a wet brush. Watch as the colours pool and disperse.
4. Tear around your picture and crumple the paper to symbolize the rough texture of a cave.
5. Glue your cave painting on to a sheet of black Cover Paper and tear around the edges.

Level 3: Grades Three and Four

Discussion
Observe and discuss Along the Darling River 2008 by Peter Mackay. Using traditional dotting patterns he creates lines of movement with symbols that are all patterned. The fish are represented in an imaginative way below the surface of the river. Look at the brush strokes Peter uses for water. Discuss how these make the underwater creatures look like they are swimming. Let’s create an imaginative fish in an environment using some of the techniques discussed!

Materials
Portfolio Water Soluble Oil Pastels, Cartridge Paper 120gsm A3, Posca Markers Bullet Nib White, Paper Plate15cm & Noris Maxi pencils

How to Create a Fish

1. Trace around a Paper Plate on to a sheet of Cartridge Paper with a Noris Maxi Pencil.
2. Use Portfolio Water Soluble Oil Pastels to add lines and shapes to the pencil circle. Extend lines and shapes inside and outside the circle to create an imaginative estuary or marine fish.
3. Change lines and shapes by adding patterns to your fish.
4. Trace over the pastel lines with a wet brush.
5. When dry add white dots and patterns to the scene with a white Posca Marker.

My Message

Level 4: Grades Five and Six

Discussion
Observe ‘Australian Art, it’s an Aboriginal Thing,’ by Richard Bell. Discuss aspects of his work such as the issue that he explores in his painting and the use of text within the art work. Observe the use of the patterned background and the layering that occurs within the piece.
Decide on a challenging issue that could be explored through the use of layered and patterned papers. What message are you trying to convey through your art work?

Materials
Cover Paper A3, Cover Paper 38 x 51, Cartridge Paper A4, Aquarelle Water Colour Pencils &
Glue stick by Zart

How to Create a Mixed Media work of art:

1. Pattern a sheet of A4 Cartridge Paper with Aquarelle Water Colour Pencils for use within your background. Cut and assemble these patterned papers on to a sheet of A3 Cover Paper.
2. Add details to you artwork with layered papers and assorted media to complete your work. Use magazines or computers to create some thought provoking statements that can be used in you art work. Does your piece create an awareness of the issue you sought to highlight?